Decollating machine



Nov; 16, 1943. w. c. PFEIFFI'ER 2,334,283

DECOLLATING MACHINE Fil ed Sept. 4, 1942 '5 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR WILLIAM C. DF'EIFFER mJwh-hv ATTORNEYS NOV. 1943- w. C. PFEIF FER DECOLLATING MACHINE Filed Sept. 4, 1942 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR WILLIAM C. PF'EIFFER BY UMMMYJJM ATTORNEY Nov. 16, 1943. w. c. PFEIFFEP DECOLLATING MACHINE Filed Sept. 4, 1942 5 SheetsShe9t 5 INVENTOR WILLIAM C. PF'EIFF'ER ATTORNEYS Nov. 16, 1943. w, c, PFEIFF'ER 2334,2233

I DECOLLATING MACHINE Filed Sept. 4, 1942 5 Sheet-Sheet 4 I63 [50 I4 I52,

149 14 i I68 I62 59 4 F113- El FB. 1 [I INVENTOR WILLIAM C. PFEWFER BY W W -ATTORNEY$ Nov. 16, 1943. w. c. PFEIFFER DECOLLA'ATING MACHINE Filed Sept. 4, 1942 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 FIE i13- INVENTOR WILLIAM C. PFEIFF'ER m -MIH; w E F ATTORN EYS Patented Nov. 16, 1943 A UNITED STATES PATENT OFF-ICE William C. Pfeiffer, Dayton, Ohio, assignorto The Egry Register Company, Dayton, Ohio, at corporation of Ohio Application September 4, 1942, sesame. 457,377 Claims. ((31.271-21) This invention relates to paper handling r'nachines that are constructed and arranged for handling continuous webs of paper, and more particularly to machines forhandling a plurality, of webs disposed in juxtaposed relationship and arranged in afan-fold pack.

An object of the invention is to provide an apparatus wherein a fan-fold pack of a plurality of continuous webs arranged in juxtaposed rela-'- tionship can be separated from one anotherand placed within separate containers.

Another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus for separating a plurality of juxtaposed webs of paper in a manner that each web is retained in its continuous form andis fed to an individual receiving station, whereby each web can be stored separately. I

Another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus for separating a plurality of juntaposed webs that, have been disposed in adjacent relationship to produce a plurality of copiesso that each of the webs disposed in particular'copy order will be maintained as a continuous web; whereby all copies of the sequence of copies will be retained on a particular web when stored.

Another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus for decollating a fan-fold multiple copy continuous web pack into separate stacks and return them tothe fan-folded condition. I Another object of theinvention is toprovide a power driven apparatus for decollating a continuous web multiple faniold pack into separate webs, and to return the separate websto .their fan-folded condition.

, Another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus for decollating a continuous web multiple copy fan-fold pack in a manner that the copies thereof are separated. one from the other and returned to their fan-foldedcondition in separate stacks, and the carbon webs aresepaapparent from the drawings and the following description.

In the drawings: I

Fig. 1 is a top elevational view of an apparatus for-separating continuous paper webs. I

Fig. 2. is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the apparatus shown in Fig. 1 taken along line 2-2 of Fig.;1.

Fig. 3 is an elevational view of a modified structure for feeding the webs through the decollating apparatus.

Fig.- 4 is a vertical cross-sectionalview of a modified arrangement of a decollating or separating apparatus wherein the paper websmove in a vertical direction 'and is taken along line 4-4 of Fig. 5. I I

Fig. 5 is a front elevational view of the apparatus shown in Fig. 4.

Fig. 6 is a front elevational view of another modified arrangement of a decollating or separating apparatus wherein the paper webs move in a vertical direction, and the feeding means for the webs operates in a vertical direction.

Fig. '7 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the apparatus shown in Fig. 6 and is taken along I lines 'I- 1 of Fig. 6.

rated from the paper webs, and returnedto the fan-folded condition if desired.

Another object of the invention is to provide a method for separating a plurality of continuous Webs arranged into a fan-fold pack so that each of the webs can be collected as an individual stack arranged in a fan-fold pack.

Another object of the invention 15 to provide a method for separating a plurality of continuous webs arranged in juxtaposed relationship by directing thefwebs at different angles withxrespect-to one another so that they will bemoved toward separate collecting stations and thereby maintained in separated condition.

Further objects andadvantages will become .ratus shown in Fig. 11.

Fig. 8 is a front elevational view of another modified arrangement of a decollating or separating apparatus wherein the paper webs are fed by means of an apparatus engaging opposite edges of the webs. I

Fig. 9 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the apparatus shown in Fig. 8 taken along line 9-9 of Fig. 8.

I Fig. 10 is a horizontal cross-sectional View taken along line Ill-40 of Fig. 8.

- Fig. 11 is a vertical cross-sectional view of an the apparatus of this inmeans of vertically disposed baffles and fed from the pack by means of each engaging means.

' Fig. 12 is a top elevational view of the appa- Fig. 13 is a vertical cross-sectional View of an apparatus similar to that of Fig. 11 but showing feed rollers for engaging the webs for feeding the same.

Fig. 14 is a top elevational view of the apparatus shownin Fig. 13.

' Fig. 15 is a diagrammatic view. of a needle feed- ;ing mechanism that can be used as the feeding means on any of the structures shown'in the previously mentioned figures. i

When making multiple copies of informationit is a conventional procedure to use continuous ing station. Many times it is desirable to retain all of the webs in their adjacent relationship,

and in a continuous web form when forwarding j the same to the receiving station in, the machine.

Thereafter, the webs are separated manually so that the record produced on each of the webs could be forwarded to separate destinations, each web containing the first, second, etc., copy of the data as determined by the position the web occupied in the pack of adjacent or juxtaposed webs. However, manual manipulation of continuous webs is a rather difficult procedure and therefore it'is desirable to have an apparatus that is capable of separating the various webs of a multiple copy pack that is power driven to properly feed the webs and separate the same. i

Referringto Figs. 1 and 2, an apparatus is disclosed wherein there is provided a base IU' having a platform I I upon which the paper webs are adapted to be supported. The platform II has a container I2 adjacent one end thereof that forms a receiving station for a pack of fan-folded continuous webs I3. As shown inFig, 2 the pack I3 consists of a plurality of paper webs that are in juxtaposed relationship and are in fan-folded condition. Such fan-fold multiple copy packs are well-known in the art and the apparatus of this invention is particularly adaptable for separating or decollating the webs of such fan-fold multiple copy packs. I

The platform II is provided with a plurality of arms, in this instance, three arms I4, I5 and IBf'that extend radially from the pack receiving container I2. The multiple copy'web I3 is separated into the'individual webs I3a, I32) and I30 for movement over the table arms I4, I5 and I6, respectively. Containers I], I8 and I9 are provided adjacent the end of the table arms I4, I5 and I6, respectively, to receive the individual webs I3at, I3b and I30, respectively. r To feed the webs I3a, I32) and I3c over their respective supporting table arms, feeding devices 20, 2| and 22 are disposed beneath each of the table arms I4, I5 and I6, respectively. Each of these feeding devices consists of a pair of sprocket wheels 23 and 24 over which a chain 25 is positioned. The sprockets Hand 24 may be suitably supported upon brackets 26 and 2?, respectively, for the sprockets 23 and 24, respectively. The chains 25 are provided with pins 30 that are adapted toengage' perforations 3i provided in the webs I3a, I32) and I3c. The perforations 3| are in the webs to provide means whereby the webs can be fed through a machine when placing the data upon the multiple web pack. Therefore, these same perforations can be used to feed the variouswebs through the separating or. decollating apparatus. f

The feed device is driven by an electric motor'32 that has the shaft 33'thereof connected to the drive, shaft 28 of the feed device 20. A beveled gear 34 is secured'to the drive-shaft 28 and -engages'a beveled gear 35 that drivesthe shaft. 36. A spurgear 31 is carried 'uponthe shaft 3B for driving a spur gear 38 thatdrives the feeding device 2|. A beveled gear 39 is also carried upon the shaft 36 for driving the beveled gear 40 that that the pins 30 can engage the paper Webs I3a,

I32) and I 30 when passing over the respective feeding devices.

Whenthe apparatus is used to separate the continuous webs of a multiple copy continuous web pack of the fan-fold type, the multiple copy web pack is placed within the receiving container I2. Theindividual webs I3a, I 3b and I30 are then separated manually and placed upon the respective support table arms I4, I5 and I 3,

sothatthe perforations 3| engage one of the pins 30 that is disposed in the portion of the chain 25 that lies between the sprockets -23 and 24. It will be noted from Fig. 1 that the webs I3a and I3c will leave thecontainer I2 at a sub stantial angle and therefore guide rails '45 and 46 are provided for the table arms I4 and I3, respectively, so that the angular movement of the webs I34: and I 30 will not prevent proper alignment of the perforations 3| upon arriving at the feeding devices 20 and 22, respectively. The

Y webs are threaded beneath the guard members tables.

4|, 42 and 43, and beneath the retaining clips 41, 48 and=49 provided on the table arms I4, I5 and I6, respectively. The retaining clips-prevent the webs upon the respective table arms from buckling upwardly so that the webs will advance toward the receiving containers II, I8 and IS, respectively. Since the multiple cop web I3 was in a jfan-fold condition when placed in the container I2, it will be apparent that the individual webs 13a, I31: and I3c'will fallinto a fan-fold condition when fed into their respective containers. Therefore, the'webs are taken from a fanfold pack and returned toa fan-fold pack. In the arrangement shown in Fig. 1, all the individual webs couldbecopies of data, or the webs I3;

and I3c could be an original and carbon copy respective with the Web I3b being a carbon web. In the latter instance the carbon web I312 could be interleaved between other paper webs and used a second or a third time.

While the apparatus of Fig. 1 has been shown in use in connection with a fan-fold pack of multi-ple copy forms, yet, it will be understood that the same apparatus could be used if the multiple copy Webs were fed from a continuous roll and were received on continuous rolls.

In Fig.8, there is shown a slightly modified arrangement of the feeding apparatus for moving the webs I'3a, 13b, and I30 over their respective In the arrangement of the structure shown herein the feeding device 50 consists of sprockets 5i and 52 mounted on shafts 53 and 54 bearinged in'suitable supports. A chain 55 ab tends over the sprockets. 5. I and 52.

A similar set of sprockets 55 and 51 carried upon shafts 58 and 59 support a chain 60 above the chain 55. The chains 55 and 60 carry T- bars .BI and 62, respectively, that are adapted to cooperate with pairs of rollers 63 and 64. carried upon the chains 55 and (ill, respectively.

The T-bars on the chain 55 are adapted t havethe ends thereof disposed between the. rollersf54 on the chain Wwhenthe T-bars and roll ers arein, adjacent relationship. I

The arrangement of the feeding device 58 is particularly adaptable for feeding paper webs thathave been prefolded such as those in a multiple copy fan-foldpack. "The fold lines 65 pro vided on the webs 66 are'engaged by the T-bars on the chains toretain the foldline between the walls 'IIl and II that aresecured together at their lower ends by means of a pan-shape support member 12 adapted to support the receiving containers I3, I4 and I5, andare secured at their upper ends by means of the bracket I8 adapted to support a'supply container I 1. edge of the container 'I'I provides a-bafile plate I8 that extends downwardly in a vertical direction from the container II.' i I A multiple copy continuous web fan-fold pack 19 is placed within the container'll and the multiple copy Web Gil is'fed over the upper edge of the bailie I8. A weighted roller SI is carried upon a U-shaped arm 82 pivoted to the walls'ld and II by the pivot means 83 and 84 whereby the Weightedroller 8i produces friction-between the multiple copy web 80 and the baffle 'liito retard the vertical movement of theweb 88 when being removed from the container 11.

The individual webs 88a, 88b and 880 from the multiple copy web flll are adapted to be separated The forward in an angular relationship with respect to one another for passing overrollers 85, 86 and 81, respectively. The rollers 88 and B'I are disposed in an angular relationship with respect to the face of the baffle I8 so that the paper-[Webs 88b and 80a passing thereover willhave their direction of travel changed from vertical to horizontal; and from a plane angularly to the longitudinal axis of the rollers to-a plane at a right angle to the rollers. I The roller 85 is parallel with'the face of the baffle I8 so thatthe web Btu passing thereover will be changed from a Vertical to a horizontal plane. Feeding devices 88, 89 andu88 are provided for withdrawing the webs 88b; tfiaxand fiilqrespectively, from the container ll, andfor advancing the webs to the receiving'containers i3, I4 and It, respectively; These feeding devices each consists of a pair of sprockets el and 92 having a chain 93 extending thereover-thatis provided "with pins 94 adapted to engage perforations 85 provided in the webs 88a, 88b and 880. Each of the chains 93 ofthe feeding devices 88, 93, and 98 moves in ahorizontal plane beneaththe rollers 86, 85 andB'I, respectively, whereby the individual webs 881), Ma and 880, respectively are'fed-to the containers 13,14 and '15.

The feeding devices 88, 88 and 9B are mounted upon the common shafts 86 and 9?, the shaft Bl being the drive shaft and adapted to be connected to an electric motor 98by means of a drive chain 99 passing over'suitable sprockets on the shaft ill-and the shaft of the motor 98.

The operation of the device is such that ape-ck of multiple copy continuous web fan-fold forms TB-is placedin the container 11-. The webis same into three compartments.

threaded over the respective rolls 85, 86 and 88'! into engagement with the feeding devices 89, 88 and 93, respectively, so that at least one of the perforations in each-of the individual webs engage one of the pins 84 on'the feeding devices adjacent the respective webs. The angular disposition of the rollers 86 and 81 will provide proper alignment of the webs 88b and 880 passing thereover to maintain the perforations in alignment with the pins 94 on the feeding device 88 and 98, respectively. The WebBUa will also be maintained in proper alignment with the feeding device 89 because it is moved in a straight line. The roller 85 is disposed somewhat ahead of the rollers 86 and 81 to absorb the extra length of the individual webs 88b and 880 required between the'supply container and their respective rollers, these webs being disposed diagonally with respect to the web 8801..

Theffeeding devices 88, 89 and 98 will advance therespective webs in engagement therewith to the receiving containers I3, M and I5, and the individual webs will return to their fan-fold form because they have been previously creased in this manner and have been drawn in a fan-fold pack.

A baffle IE8 is provided-adjacent the front wall of the receiving containers I2, 13 and M to direct the webs intothe-respective containers. I

In'Figs. 6 and '7 there is shown another arrangement of apparatus'for separating the multiple copy webs while moving them continuously in a Vertical position. In this arrangement the apparatus consists of a frame having walls H8 and III-and a top wallIIZ. Th side walls "IIIland III are secured together at the bottom ends thereof by means of a container H3 having baiiie plates H4 and IIEtherein to separate the A container H6 is supported on the top wall I I2 to receive a pack of multiple copy continuous web fan-fold forms that is to be separatedor decollated. The multiple copy web I20 of the pack IIQ slides over the upper edge II8 of the front wall II'I of the con- 'tainer H6. An arm IZI engages the top surface of the pack H9 to produce friction on the web I28 to prevent the webfrom complete freedom of movementin its Vertical travel. The arm IZI may be provided with a suitable spring tensioning means for controlling the frictional engagement of the arm I2I with the surface of the web pack The individual webs I20a, lzIlband I280 are separated so that the webs I201) and I 2812 move angularly from the web I28a and engage angularly disposed rolls I22 and I23, respectively, that change the angular travel of the webs I281) and I200 withrespect to the web IZIla to parallel travel therewith so that the three webs move adjacent feeding devices in a common plane and in parallel relationship Th rolls I22a and I230;

bring the webs I28?) and I280 into the same niane with the web I20a.

The web I280 passes between rolls I24 and IE8 that are arranged to increase the length 'I2ilc to travel further than the web a.

The webs I2Ila, IZOD and I280 are withdrawn from the container IIB by means of the feeding devices I26, I21 and I28, respectively, each device consisting of a pair of sprockets I29 and.

I38 havinga chain I3I extending therebetween provided with pins I32 that. areadapted to engage perforations I33 on the respective individual webs. The sprocketsl29andII-I0 are supported upon suitable shafts I34 and I35, .the

shaft I35being driven by an electric motor I36.

vices I21 and I28.

From the operation of the devices heretofore described, it will be apparent that the device operates in the same-manner withdrawing the plural copy web I20 from the fan-foldpack H9 and delivering the individual webs [2%. I20?) and I200 to their respective receiving containers wherein the webs are arranged in fan-fold form in the same manner in which they were drawn a from the web pack I9. In, Figs. 8, 9 and 10, there is shown another arrangement of an apparatus for separating or decollating a multiple copy web from a multiple copy fan-fold pack wherein the webs are fed by mean of friction wheels that-engage opposite edges of the plural copy web. I

The apparatus of this arrangement consists of a frame consisting of side wall members I and I4I interconnected at their top portions by means of a platform I42,.and at their bottom portions by means of a pan-shaped bracket I43.

tainer to receive a pack of continuous webs arranged in a multiple copy fan-fold form. 4 The bracket I43 supports a container I45 having baflies I40 and I48 for separating-the container into a plurality of compartments. The platform I42 has a forward edge I41 that extends downwardly therefrom to provide a rear baflle -plate for guiding the movement of .the continuous webs when in adjacent relationship thereto.

The feeding devicefor the plural copy web I that removes the web from the pack I49 con-' sistsof the friction rolls I5I and I52 disposed adjacent opposite edges of the multiple copy web I50 and in engagement therewith{ The roll I5I and I52 are supported upon drive shafts I53 and I54, respectively, that are suitably bearinged in the support brackets I55 and'I56. The shafts I53 and I54 carry pulleys I51 and I58 that are engaged by a belt I59 that extends over a pulley I60 provided on the shaft of an' electric motor IGI. The belt I59 extends over an idler pulley I52 so that it can engage the pulleys I51 and I58 in a manner that they are rotated in opposite directions to feed the multiple copyweb I50 therebetween. A plate I63 is disposed adjacent the platform I42, the drive rolls I5I and 152- extend therethrough so that the multiple copy web I50; passing between the plate I63 and the platform I42 will be in positive frictional engagement with the feed rolls.

The multiple copy web I50 isadapted to be withdrawn from the Web pack I49 placed within the recess I44 and fed forwardly so that the individual webs I50a; I50band I 500 can be arranged angularly with respect to one another in the manner shown in Fig. 8,, whereby they will enter separate compartments of the container I45. The webs I50b and I50 are gulded into their respective receiving compartments by means of guide plates I64 and I65carried by the bafiie plates I46 and I48, respectively. A--V--v shaped guide wirel66 is provided adjacentthe webs I501? and I500 to prevent the webs from outward movement from the baflie plate I41 and thus. direct them toward their respective-mes 'ceiving compartments provided in the container dition in the pack I48 they will return to their fan-fold condition when dropped into the con tainer I45. i In Fig. 13 there is shown an-arrangement of apparatus wherein the individual webs of a mul-,

tiple copy web are separated in an arrangement wherein the various webs are maintained in the same parallel condition in which they were disposed while in the multiple copy web during the feeding and separating operation In this arrangement the apparatus consists ofa frame I10 that supports a container I1I that is adapted to receive a continuous multiple copy web arranged in fan-fold form. Individual containers I12, I13 and I14 are provided to receive the in:

' The platform I42 has a recess I44 to form a containers. r

Feed rolls I andIBI are provided on oppo;

dividual webs I15a, I15b and I of the multiple copy web I15.

The web I150. is adapted to drop in a vertical movement between the bafile plates I16 and I11 to direct the movement of the fan into the con.- tainer n2;

baffle plates I11 and I18, while the web I150 is directed into its container I14 by the bailie plate I18. verse movement of the webs I15a, I15b and I15c, so that they will not miss their respective consite sides of the multiple copy web I15 infrictional engagement therewith for withdrawing the web from the pack I82. The rolls I 80. and I8] are driven by meansfof the electric motor I83 through means of the beveled gears I84 and the spur gears I85.

The operation of the devicei such that the feed rolls I80 and IIII withdraw the continuous multiple copy web I15 from the fan-fold pack I 82. so that the individual webs I15a, I15b'and I150 will be forwarded between the baffle plates I10, I11 and I18 in a mannenheretofore described. Since the individual webs were arranged in a fan-fold pack, initially,- they will fall into a fan-fold pack in their respective receiving containers upon being separated.

In Figs. 11 and 12 there is shown another arrangement of the apparatus of this invention feeding the webs frictionally engages the op.- posi-te edges of the multiple copy web-in the same manneras the feeding 'means described with regard to Figs. 8-and 10.. Since the apparatusof this arrangement is similar to that of Figs. 1-3 and 14, the parts of like character The web 1151) moves between the Guide members-I19 prevent trans? bear the same numerals 'in Figs. 13 and 14.

as previously referred to The feeding device of Figs. 11 and 12 consists of rolls I86 and I81 disposed adjacent the opposite edges of the multiple copy web I15, and

in engagement therewith for frictionally feeding the'web therebetween; The rolls 1% and-I31 are carried upon shafts I88 and I89 respective ly, that carry pulleys engaged by a belt I96 that is the same'as heretofore described with regard to Figs. 13 and 14.

In Fig. 15 there is showna feeding device that has been applied to any of the arrangements of the apparatus heretofore described for withdrawing the multiple copy web from the fan-fold pack. This device consists of a wheel I95 carried upon a shaft I96 having a pulley I91 driven by a belt I98 that engages a pulley I99 on an electric motor 2%. The wheel I 95 carries a plurality of needles that are adapted to= pierce a multiple copy web 205, which web can be any of those previously referred to. A guide plate 2% is provided adjacent the wheel i595 to insure that the needles ZBI will pierce th web 205 for'advancing the same. It is apparent that when the wheel I95 is rotatedby the motor 2% that the web 265 will be advanced thereover.

The feeding device of Fig. 15 eliminates the necessity of requiring perforations in the various webs to be fed thereby; and thus increases the I variety of the types of webs that can b separated or decollated by the variors mechanisms of this invention. V

While various mechanical arrangements of the apparatus have been disclosed and described herein, it is to be understood that there are other mechanical arrangements of the apparatus that may be conceived that do not depart from the spirit of this invention,' and that such mechanisms as fall within the scope of the appended claims are intended to be included herein.

Having thus fully described my invention what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is: v i

1. In an apparatus for separating'or'decollating a plurality of continuous webs arranged in juxtaposed relationship to simultaneously. produce multiple copies, the combination of, means for receiving a continuous multip1e copy web that is to be decollated, means for directing the movement of the individual webs "of the multiple copy web through separate paths of travel in a common plane, feeding means for individually advancing the webs through their separate paths of travel, and means for collecting the individual webs and retaining them in separated condition.

2. The method of separating or decollating a plurality of webs arranged in juxtaposedrelationship for simultaneously producing a plurality of copies which consists of simultaneously advancing the individual webs of the multiple copy web in their juxtaposed relationship, altering the course or travel of each of the separate webs to cause them to take separate paths of travel in a common plane and thereby separate, and collecting the individual webs while maintaining them in a continuous web form.

3. A method for separating or decollating a plurality of webs disposed in juxtaposed relationship for producing multiple copies of a form which consists of, simultaneously withdrawing a pluralityof. webs froma supply source in juxtaposed relationship, directing the webs in paths of movement angularlywith respect to one anotherbut in a'scommon plane to thereby separate the webs with respectto one another, and forwarding the webs to individual collecting means and maintaining them in continuous web form while collecting the same.

4. A'method of separating or decollating a plurality of continuous webs disposed in juxtaposed relationship and arranged in a fan-fold pack form for producing multiple copies which consists of, continuously withdrawing a multiple copy web from a fan-fold pack, advancing the individual webs of the plural copy web indifferent directions angularly with respect to one another but in aoommon plane whereby the webs are separated, causing the webs to fall by their own weight with complete-freedom of movement into individual collecting means to cause the webs to fold upon the fold lines thereof and produce fan .iold packs to maintain the webs in continuous web form. Q i

5. A method of separating or decollating a plurality of continuous webs disposed in juxtaposed relationship and arranged in a fan-fold pack form for producing multiple copies which consists of, continuously withdrawing a multiple copy web from a fan-fold pack, advancing the individual webs of the plural copy web in different directions angularly with respect to one another to thereby separate the webs, changing the direction of travel of the webs to bring them into a common plane for advancement to individual web receiving means, advancing the webs to the receiving means, and cause the webs to fall by their own weight into the receiving means for the individual webs with complete freedom of movement to cause the webs to fold upon the fold lines thereof and thereby producing a fan-fold pack of each individual web.

6. An apparatus for decollating a plurality of webs arranged in adjacent relationship comprising, means for receiving a multiple copy web that is to be decollat'ed, means for directing the movement of each of the individual webs of the multi"v ple copy web in directions that are angular with respect to one another but in a common plane, means for engaging the webs to advance the same through said directing means, and individual collecting means for receiving the individual webs.

7. An apparatus for separating or: decollating a plurality of webs arranged in adjacent relationship which consists of, means for receiving a continuous web that is to be decollated, means extending angularly from said receiving means for directing the movement of the individual webs of said multiple copy web angularly with respect to one another and in a common plane and thereby separate the same, feeding means for saidwebs adjacent each of said directing means to individually forward the webs across their directing means, and individual collecting means for receiving the individual webs.

into-a common plane foradvancement to individual collecting means, individual collecting means for said webs, and feeding means for advancing said webs to said collecting means.

9. An apparatus for decollating a plurality of continuous webs disposed in adjacent relationshipfor producing a plurality of copies which consists of, means for receiving a continuous web that is to be decollated; means for directing the movement of the individual webs of the plural copy web angularly from said receiving means and angularly with respect to one another but in a common plane'forthereby separating the individual webs, means for changing the direction of movementof the individual webs to bring them into a common plane for advancement to individual collecting means, individual collecting means for said webs, and feeding means engaging each of the individual webs for advancing the webs to said collecting means.

10. An apparatus fordecollating a multiple copy web consisting of a plurality of individual webs disposed in adjacent relationship that consists of, means for receiving alcontinuous multiple copy web that is to be decollated, means extending from said receiving means having arms radiating therefrom adapted to receive a web of the multiple copy web todirect the same along said arm in a common planewith the other webs and thereby separate the individual webs of the plural copy web, feeding means adjacent each of'said arms engaging said .webs to advance the same thereover, and collecting means adjacent the end of each of said arms for collecting the web fed thereover.v I

11. An apparatus for decollating a multiple copy-web consisting of a plurality of individual webs disposed in adjacent relationship that consists of, means for receiving a continuous multiple copy web that is to be decollated, means extending from said receiving means having arms radiating therefrom. adapted to receive a web of the multiple copy web to direct the same along said arm in a common plane with the other webs and thereby separate the individual webs of the plural copy web, feeding means adjacent each of said arms engaging said webs to advance the same thereover, collecting means adjacent the end of each of said arms for collecting the Web fed thereov'ehand drive means interconnecting'said feeding means to simultaneously advance all of the individual webs of the multiple copy web.

12. An apparatus for decollating a multiple copy web consisting of a plurality of individual web-s disposed in adjacent relationship that consists of, means for receiving a continuous multiple copy web that is to be decollated, means extending from said receiving means having arms radiating therefromadapted to receive a web of the multiple copy web to direct the same along said arm in a common plane with the other webs and thereby separate the individualwebsof the plural copyweb, feeding means adjacent each of said arms engaging said webs to advance the same thereover, collecting means adjacent the end .of each-of said arms for collecting the web fed ofmovementof'the' individual webs to bring them tated, and pins in said chains for engaging the webs.

13. An apparatus for decollating a multiple. I

' copy web consisting of a plurality of individual webs disposed in adjacent relationship and arranged in a fan-fold pack that consists of, means for receiving a continuous multiple copy web that is to be decollated, means extending from said receiving means having arms radiating there? from adapted to receive a web of the multiple copy web to direct thesame along said arm in-& common plane with'the other webs and thereby separate the individual Webs of the plural copy web, feeding means adjacenteach of said arms engaging said webs to advance the same thereover, and collecting means adjacent the end of each of said arms for collecting the web fed thereover, said feeding means consisting of a pair of sprocket chains arranged in adjacent relationship for simultaneous movement, bar means and roller means on said chains adapted to cooperate to engage the fold lines in the fan-fold pack and thereby advance the Webs through the feeding means.

14. An apparatus for 'decollating a plurality of continuous webs arranged in adjacent relationship for producing multiple copy forms which I consists of, a container for receiving a continuous multiple copy web that is to be decollated, a

table extending from said container having arms radiating from said container, feeding means disposed beneath each of said arms consisting of a movable chain having means thereon extending through said table for engaginga web extending across said table, means drivingly connecting each of said feeding means to a power source, and a collecting container adjacent the end of each of said arms for receiving the decollated individual I webs of said multiple copy web.

15. An apparatus for decollating a plurality of continuous webs arranged inadjacent relationship for producing multiple copy forms which consists of, means for receiving a'continuous plural copy web that is to be decollated, web supporting means adjacent said receiving means over I which a continuous web is adapted to pass,-means cooperating with said web supporting :means for applying friction upon the web passing over said supporting means, individual roller means disposed verticallybeneath said web supporting means adapted to be engaged by an individual web of the plural copy web, said roller means being spaced axially from one another to separate the individual webs of said plural copy web, said roller means being disposed with respect to one another in a manner that the webs passing thereover are discharged therefrom in a common plane, individual feeding means for engaging each of said individual webs passing over the roller means for withdrawing the webs from the receiving means and advancing the same to individual web collecting means, and individual web collecting means for collecting said webs.

WILLIAM C. PFEIFFER; 

